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Finding the best 40L men’s backpacks for travel is the first step to adventure. Your backpack will see the world with you, thrown into the back of a jeep through the jungle, your new seat on an overcrowded train. So we are here to pick your new companion. When you finally find the perfect backpack—the one that fits just right, has all the compartments you need, and makes you feel like you’re ready to take on the world. Whether you’re a first-time traveller searching for a reliable pack, an experienced backpacker looking for an upgrade, or someone who needs a specific bag for trekking or city breaks, we’ve got you covered.
Are you setting off on a multi-day hike, backpacking across continents, or heading on a weekend city escape? No matter your plans, a well-designed backpack should fit comfortably. It should distribute weight evenly and be durable enough to handle long-term travel. At Barefoot Backpackers, we know the value of a solid, well-crafted pack that will last for years to come, and we have selected our very best for this guide.
Many backpacks are designed with a unisex fit, but if you are looking for the best backpacks for women specifically, then we have a guide for that too. These packs are designed with features that prioritize comfort, weight distribution, and practical travel add-ons for travel or for trekking. From lightweight packs for fast-moving adventurers to rugged models built for carrying heavy loads, these backpacks will keep you prepared for any journey. Let’s get into it.
The Best 40L Men’s Backpacks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Osprey Men’s Farpoint 40 Backpack – A travel-friendly carry-on with excellent comfort and storage.
- Best for Treks: Gregory Men’s Zulu Backpack – A well-ventilated, supportive backpack for long hikes.
- Best Budget Option: Mountain Warehouse Ventura 40L Backpack – Affordable and lightweight for everyday adventures.
- Best for Versatility: Deuter Futura Pro 40 Hiking Backpack – An ergonomic, multi-purpose trekking backpack.
- Best Cargo Bag: Mountain Warehouse Cargo Bag – 2 in 1 backpack and cargo bag at an excellent price
- Best for City Travel: The North Face Groundwork Backpack – Compact and practical for city travel.
- Best Weatherproof Option: Patagonia Unisex Black Hole Duffel 40L – A rugged, water-resistant bag for any terrain.
- Best for Long-Term Travel: Alpine Men’s Dynamic Backpack 40L – Built for durability and extended backpacking.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we believe in choosing well-designed gear that enhances your experience without weighing you down. Let’s go more in-depth into the best men’s travel backpacks that offer a mix of affordability, performance, and comfort from our trusted brands.
The Best 40L Men’s Backpacks for Travel and Treks
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel backpack, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a fantastic choice. Osprey is the gold standard for quality backpacks. All seasoned travellers know you mean business when you have one of these. Built to last, this pack has a lifetime guarantee, ensuring it will be with you for years.
Ideal for minimalist or a shorter term trip, this pack has a 40L capacity. It’s perfect for trips where you want to pack light but still have room for all the essentials. The suitcase-style opening makes it easy to access your belongings, while the padded laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe. If you prefer to keep your backpack as carry-on luggage, this bag is designed to meet most airline size restrictions.
We really love the stowaway harness system, which allows you to zip away the straps for a sleeker, more compact shape when checking in your bag.
Key Specs:
Adjustable AirScape Backpanel
Padded laptop compartment Lockable zippers for security
Stowaway harness and hip belt
Meets carry-on size requirements
For those who love hiking and trekking, the Gregory Zulu Backpack is a top-tier option. Designed with dynamic suspension and ventilated padding, this pack provides maximum airflow to keep you cool on long hikes. It’s lightweight yet built for durability, with a highly adjustable torso length to ensure a perfect fit. The front stretch pocket is perfect for stashing quick-access items like a rain jacket or snacks when your Snickers moment kicks in.
If you’re heading off on multi-day treks or rugged trails, this backpack delivers top comfort and performance and from a brand like Gregory, you know it will stand the test of time.
Key Specs:
Ventilated FreeFloat dynamic suspension
Multiple storage compartments
Ergonomic hip belt with pockets
Integrated rain cover
Mountain Warehouse is always our go-to for a budget option. The brand does what it says on the tin and always at a fair price. If you’re looking for an affordable and practical travel backpack, the Mountain Warehouse Ventura 40L Backpack is a solid budget-friendly choice.
Despite its lower price point, this backpack comes with a rain cover, padded shoulder straps, and a comfortable fit for hiking and everyday travel. The 40L capacity provides just enough space for weekend trips or short-term backpacking adventures. While it may not have all the premium features of high-end brands, it’s a fantastic entry-level backpack for travellers who want a dependable option without breaking the bank. We would recommend this for festivals, short camping trips or city breaks.
Key Specs:
40L capacity
Adjustable padded straps
Includes a rain cover
Lightweight design
The Deuter Futura Pro 40 is a versatile, high-performance trekking backpack that excels in both comfort and durability. With ergonomic shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel to cool you down when you get sweaty, and multiple compartments, it’s designed for outdoor explorers who need both organization and comfort on the go. We love that it is hydration system compatible too. This backpack is ideal for hiking, mountaineering, or long-distance travel, making it one of the best men’s backpacks for those who need a do-it-all bag.
Key Specs:
AirComfort mesh back system for ventilation
Adjustable straps for a custom fit
Padded hip belt with pockets
Hydration system compatible
This 2in1 cargo bag meets backpack is ideal for work travel through to a weekend getaway. Perfect for carry on luggage, this Mountain Warehouse has carry handle handles which can be kept together by a padded hook-and-loop closure for additional security It is durable has fully opening compartments making it easier to store and pack and looks pretty lowkey if you don’t want to stand out as a typical backpacker.
Key Specs:
Carry Handles
Handles can be fitted by a padded hook-and-loop closure and-loop closure
Easy packing with fully opening compartments
For city trips and carry-on travel, The North Face Groundwork Backpack is a practical, stylish, and comfortable option. It is simple, subtle and can be used for anything ranging from work travel to a weekend trip. Designed with a padded laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, and a reflective exterior. If you need a compact yet spacious backpack that can handle everyday travel for urban adventures or work trips, this one’s a great pick.
Key Specs:
Padded laptop compartment
Reflective details for visibility
Comfortable back panel
Multiple organizational pockets
Compact yet rugged, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L is designed for travellers who need a durable and lightweight bag. Made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate, it resists abrasions and repels water, making it an excellent pack for unpredictable conditions. The padded, removable shoulder straps provide a comfortable carry option, while reinforced haul handles ensure durability. A zippered side pocket offers quick access to essentials, and an internal mesh compartment helps with organisation. When not in use, this duffel conveniently stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage. Pretty practical right?
Key Specs:
40-litre capacity
Made from 100% recycled materials
Water- and abrasion-resistant polyester ripstop
Padded, removable shoulder straps for versatile carrying
Compact storage within its own pocket
The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L is a fantastic trekking and travel backpack for those who need a stable, well-balanced pack for multi-day hikes and minimalist travel. This pack is built with Lowe Alpine’s Air Contour+ carry system, which provides excellent weight distribution and ventilation, making it a great choice for warm climates and challenging terrains.
One of the best features of the Sirac Plus 40L is its hydration bladder compatibility, which allows you to stay hydrated on the go without constantly stopping to grab a bottle. The expandable side pockets provide additional storage for essentials, while the front and side compression straps help keep the load stable.
The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L is a great option for those who want a sturdy and ergonomic backpack for trekking, wild camping, or lightweight travel. If you are on the road for a long period of time you will want a pack that can do a bit of everything. While it doesn’t have a suitcase-style opening like the Osprey Farpoint 40, it does offer top and bottom access to your gear, making it easier to stay organized on the trail.
Key Specs:
Air Contour+ carry system for breathability and comfort
Hydration bladder compatibility
Front and side compression straps for stability
Multiple access points (top and bottom entry)
Expandable side pockets for extra storage
How to Choose the Best Backpack for Your Needs
What Size Backpack Should You Get?
- 40L – Best for short trips, carry-on travel, and minimal packing.
- 50-60L – Ideal for backpacking trips that require a bit more gear.
- 70L+ – Great for long-term travel, trekking, and carrying heavier loads.
Why Choose a 40L Backpack?
A 40L backpack is the perfect middle ground between lightweight travel and practical functionality. It’s large enough to fit all your essentials for a trip. Lasting anywhere from a weekend getaway to a few weeks, yet compact enough to meet most airline carry-on requirements. This makes it an excellent choice for travellers who prefer to avoid checked luggage and want to move around freely without being weighed down by bulky gear. We would suggest this size if you’re backpacking through Europe or taking a trip to tropical destinations. Even when heading off on an outdoor adventure, a 40L pack ensures you stay mobile without sacrificing comfort.
Another major advantage of the best men’s 40L backpacks and women’s 40L backpacks is their versatility. Unlike larger 60-70L packs, which can become a bit tiring to carry around when navigating crowded streets, hopping on public transport, or fitting into hostel lockers, a 40L pack allows for more agility and ease of movement. Many models come with smart organization features such as laptop compartments. As well as hidden security pockets and front-loading designs that make packing and accessing your items simple. If you prefer minimalist travel, a 40L backpack encourages you to pack efficiently while still having enough room for essentials like clothing, toiletries, and tech gear.
What Type of Backpack Should I Choose?
Choosing the right backpack depends on how and where you plan to travel. There are backpacking backpacks, travel backpacks, and trekking backpacks, each designed for different purposes. If your trip involves multiple destinations, including city breaks, flights, and train rides, a travel backpack with a front-loading suitcase-style opening is a great option. These backpacks are designed for organization and ease of access, making them ideal for urban trips and for digital nomads.
On the other hand, if your journey involves hiking, camping, or multi-day treks, a trekking backpack with adjustable suspension, padded hip belts, and ergonomic weight distribution is a better fit. Trekking backpacks are built to withstand rough terrain and heavy loads, with features like hydration bladder compatibility, gear loops, and rain covers. If you’re somewhere in between – if you enjoy both urban and outdoor adventures – a hybrid pack like the Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L or Osprey Farpoint 40 might be your best bet, as they offer the comfort of a trekking pack with the practicality of a travel pack.
What’s the Difference Between a Backpack for Travel and Trekking?
The key difference between a travel backpack and a trekking backpack lies in their design and functions. Travel backpacks are built with easy access, organization, and security in mind. Many of them open like a suitcase rather than a traditional top-loading backpack, making it easier to pack and retrieve your belongings and repack. They often include lockable zippers, padded laptop compartments, and sleek designs that allow them to blend in while traveling through cities and airports. Travel backpacks are best suited for people who move between urban and rural areas and need a pack that keeps their gear accessible. If you travel with your laptop, this is a good option.
Trekking backpacks, on the other hand, are built for the outdoors. They focus on comfort, weight distribution, and durability, often featuring adjustable harnesses, hip belts, and ventilation systems to keep you comfortable on long hikes. These backpacks usually have top-loading access, meaning you’ll need to pack strategically to reach items at the bottom. Many trekking backpacks also have external attachment points for gear, such as trekking poles, ice axes, or sleeping bags. If you’re planning a multi-day hike or wild camping trip, a trekking backpack is essential for carrying heavy loads comfortably.
Key Features to Look For
Comfort & Fit – Adjustable shoulder straps, hip belts, and ventilated back panels make a huge difference.
Weight & Durability – Lightweight materials without compromising on durability.
Storage & Organization – Multiple compartments, laptop sleeves, and external pockets.
Weather Resistance – Water-resistant materials or a built-in rain cover for extra protection.
FAQs: Best Backpacks
Which Backpack is Best for Carry-On Travel?
Any 40L backpack is good for carry-on travel; however make sure to check with your airline provider for specific dimensions.s
Can You Wash a Backpack?
Most backpacks can be spot cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Always check manufacturer guidelines before machine washing.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we help you navigate the world with purpose and adventure. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, backpacking through Asia, or exploring a new city, the right backpack makes all the difference. Find the one that suits your style, and get ready for your next journey!
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